Multiple sebaceous tumors and carcinomas of the colon. Torre syndrome

The association of multiple tumors of the sebaceous glands with primary visceral carcinomas was described for the first time by Torre in 1967. Another 26 cases with similar features have been subsequently reported in the literature. In 12 of these patients isolated or multiple keratoacanthomas and in 8 intestinal polyps were also found. The authors add the report of a personal case. The patient is a 54-year-old man who, during a period of 8 years, has shown multiple sebaceous tumors, 1 keratoacanthoma, and 3 primary adenocarcinomas of the colon. The outline and nosologic position of this pathologic conditions are discussed.